Extensively revised and updatedReviews optimal management of OsteoarthritisGives new insights into pathogenesisCharts importance of non pharmacological interventionsIncludes contributions from international expertsNew evidence on pharmacological modification of tissue damageAppendix details commonly employed outcome assessment measuresFrom reviews of the first edition:'This valuable book has the critical and social and basic information that sets the stage. Only books like this one, or reviews can pull it all together for us. I had looked forward to this book and regularly use it as a resource for both clinical and basic questions.' -Journal of Clinical Rheumatology'Rheumatologists would benefit from this up to date text. It also suits as a reference text for a myriad of health professionals.' -The Journal of Rheumatology

At a time when prevalence of osteoarthritis (failure of the joint) is increasing with an ageing population it is timely to review the latest evidence and management strategies for optimal treatment of patients with this, the most common joint disease of mankind. A number of exciting new developments related to etiopathogenesis and management make it highly desirable at this time to publish a fully comprehensive authoritative discussion of the risk factors, mechanisms of joint damage, clinical aspects, differential diagnosis and treatment of osteoarthritis. A review of the current understanding of the management of this disorder and of the basic mechanisms involved provides the rationale for publication of this new fully updated edition.

The book looks at the mechanisms for joint failure and how this may be due to abnormal cartilage or disease in other joint tissues. Significant coverage is given to exciting new evidence on disease-modifying drugs and methodologies for evaluating outcomes of treatment with these options. It is becoming increasingly recognised that optimal management of osteoarthritis requires a comprehensive program involving drugs and nonmedicinal components and, in some cases, surgery. Chapters on both non-surgical and surgical therapy are contained in the management section. The full coverage given in this book allows the physician to consider and choose the right blend of treatment for each patient from the range available whether physical, pharmacologic, surgical or supportive. The book is sympathetic to the significant differences that often exist between the perception of the patient and that of the physician regarding what's important in treatment and coverage is therefore given to the outcome measures needed for optimal evaluation of both.

Highly illustrated in full colour throughout this definitive text is written principally for the clinical rheumatologists, although primary care physicians, orthopaedic surgeons, allied health professionals, basic researchers, members of the pharmaceutical industry who are involved in drug research and development, and regulatory staff also should find it useful.

Readership: Clinical rheumatologists, orthopaedic surgeons and general physicians, as well as allied health professionals, basic researchers, pharmaceutical industry researchers involved in drug development for osteoarthritis, and regulatory agency staff